Interest in Wakamatsu as bench coach

I just spoke on the telephone with general manager Doug Melvin, who confirmed a Tacoma News report that he had interest in Don Wakamatsu as the bench coach for new manager Ron Roenicke.

Instead, Wakamatsu took that same position with Toronto and new manager John Farrell. That's assuming he doesn't get the Mets managerial job, for which he is being interviewed. A lot of interest in a guy who was fired as manager by Seattle during the 2010 season.

Wakamatu was one of the original eight candidates interviewed by Melvin for the Brewers' managerial job that went to Roenicke. He did not make the cut to the final four but was being considered as bench coach. Wakamatsu formerly served on the Angels' minor-league coaching staff when Roenicke was with that organization, so that's the connection there.

"We had some conversations with him," said Melvin. "We've talked to other people, too. He decided to go to Toronto. I never made him a formal offer."

I thought maybe the Brewers would look for an NL coach to be bench coach since Roenicke is coming from the AL but obviously Melvin doesn't consider that a necessity, having considered Wakamatsu.

"Not necessarily," said Melvin. "These guys all study the game now and all the players."

I asked Melvin how the coaching search is going. He, Roenicke and hitting coach Dale Sveum are attending an Arizona Fall League game today to watch Brewers prospects and discuss further coaching moves.

Melvin said he'd like to get the pitching coach situation settled soon in fairness to incumbent Rick Peterson, who met twice with Roenicke last week after he was named manager. Roenicke agreed to consider keeping Peterson but apparently is looking around to see if someone else he'd rather have is available. Peterson has a year remaining on a two-year deal.

"We'd like to get that done this week," said Melvin, realizing that Peterson is being left twisting in the wind at present.

Melvin said it was doubtful Roenicke would bring anyone else from the Angels staff with him. He has made some recommendations to Roenicke, so it sounds like this is a group effort.

About Tom Haudricourt

Tom Haudricourt covers the Brewers and Major League Baseball. He was voted Wisconsin Sports Writer of Year for 2011 and 2012 by National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

Stay up to date on the Milwaukee Brewers wherever you are with "Milwaukee Baseball," the Journal Sentinel's mobile site for smartphones. Also available in both the Apple and Google Play app stores. Just search "Journal Sentinel baseball."Read more